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NR 03-17-25 (First responders conduct rescues March 10 and March 15)

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County of Kaua'i, State of Hawaii

*DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, *MAYOR
**REIKO MATSUYAMA**, MANAGING DIRECTOR






*News Release*

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2025






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COUNTY OF KAUA‘I

KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT

MICHAEL GIBSON - CHIEF

(808) 241-4980



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First responders conduct rescues March 10 and March 15

LĪHU‘E  — Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department conducted rescues on March 10 and March 15.

“We urge everyone planning to hike on our island to exercise caution when crossing rivers, always carry essential safety gear, including flashlights and emergency devices, and remain aware of changing weather conditions,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Heavy rainfall and flooding can occur rapidly and significantly impact the integrity of the island’s trails. Rescue operations under these conditions are complex and add a layer of danger for outdoor enthusiasts and our first responders. Mahalo to our rescue crews for their quick and skilled response in ensuring the safety of hikers in both operations.”

KFD personnel received the first report shortly before 9:25 a.m. on March 10 of two female hikers stranded on the Kalalau Trail, feeling ill and unable to continue due to the trail being washed out by recent rains.

Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 responded to the incident. Air 1 arrived at the Kalalau Trail and spotted seven stranded hikers near the washed-out area. Due to strong winds, short-haul extractions were not possible. The first two rescue flights were conducted, transporting four hikers to Princeville Airport while two responders remained with the remaining hikers.

Following a brief refueling, Air 1 returned to the trail, transporting the remaining hikers to the Kē‘ē Landing Zone. At approximately 1 p.m., Air 1 landed back at Līhu‘e Airport after completing four extraction flights.

The scene was cleared shortly after 1:10 p.m.

In the second incident, KFD personnel received a report at approximately 5:35 p.m. on March 15, of five stranded hikers across a river on the Makaleha Trail, with water rising rapidly.

Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 responded to the incident. While en route at 5:45 p.m., dispatch reported two additional hikers stranded further down the trail. However, the original group of five hikers managed to cross the river on their own, leaving only the two additional hikers in need of rescue.

Air 1 conducted a reconnaissance flight at 5:55 p.m., extracting the two hikers using a short-haul system set up at the water tank. While performing the initial extraction, rescue personnel were informed of an older couple struggling further up the trail. A secondary reconnaissance flight was conducted to locate the couple.

Upon finding them, they signaled they were okay and did not require assistance.

The scene was cleared shortly after 7:10 a.m.

Additionally, please note that Kaua‘i is currently under a flash flood watch until 6:00 a.m. March 18. The watch may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop. For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, https://www.weather.gov/hfo [ https://www.weather.gov/hfo?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].

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*Media Contact:
*

If you are a member of the media with an inquiry for the County of Kaua‘i, its departments or representatives, please email the County of Kaua‘i's Communications Team at CountyPIO@kauai.gov to ensure a timely response to your request. Mahalo!








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